J-M board OKs 2010-11 budget without tax hike
JEFFERSON – Jefferson-Morgan School Board is keeping the property tax rate steady in the school district. The board voted Monday to adopt the district’s $12,686,711 budget for 2010-2011, which does not include an increase in the real estate levy.
The district’s millage rate will remain 23.0909 mills. For a property appraised at $100,000, the property owner would be responsible for $2,309.09 in school taxes.
The board also approved the 2009 Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion Resolution, which will include a $247.34 real estate reduction per approved property. The Greene County assessment office determines eligibility.
The board also voted to continue a 1 percent earned income tax, $5 per capita tax, a 1 percent real estate transfer tax and a $10 occupational privilege tax. Director Mark Pochron voted against the occupational privilege tax levy.
The board also voted to approve a $549,415 cafeteria fund and a $29,000 athletic fund for 2010-2011.
In other business, the board approved the feasibility study committee’s recommendation to hire Hays Design, at a cost of $89,000, to conduct a cost-sharing study for the Jefferson-Morgan, Carmichaels Area and Southeastern Greene school districts. The committee consists of representatives from the three districts.
Pochron, who serves on the joint district committee, said the study in no way means that the final result will be consolidation or a merger.
In a personnel move, the board accepted the resignation of high school Principal Thomas Katruska, who plans to retire in Sept. 7.
The board voted to purchase new computer software that will allow students and parents to monitor grades. The one-time $4,921 purchase will replace the current Classroll.com system, which costs the district $750 annually, said district technology coordinator Adam Swinchock. The board also voted to enter into a four-year computer lease at a cost of $28,907. The lease will provide the district with 150 Dell computers.
The board also approved a Department of Community and Economic Development grant in the amount of $35,000, which Swinchock said will equip elementary schools with interactive whiteboards, projectors and audio. The classroom updates will cost the district $40,000. The remaining cost will be included in next year’s budget.